Despite the fact the Lommel circuit is situated in an industrial area, has no elevation, everyone is packed into a very small area, it never disappoints. From that 1981 Trophee des Nations victory by Team USA, to the sensational performances from riders like Antonio Cairoli, Stefan Everts, Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser, Jorge Prado and Romain Febvre in the past, this place just oozes what motocross is all about.

Big crowds, the most demanding motocross circuit in the World, and in a country, that has by far, the most celebrated motocross history.

In 2025, we got another classic, with 18-year-old, Lucas Coenen and 33-year-old, Romain Febvre showing that youth and experience can combine to make something very special. While heavy rain greeted us on Friday and Saturday, the sun came out on Sunday, and so did the fighting.

Febvre has shown us in the past at Lommel, that he can beat the best, having slayed all the big guns here and winning in 2021 and 2023. His sand skills are as good as anyone and I do get surprised when some media ask if he surprises himself, because what we saw yesterday, was typical Romain Febvre. One of the toughest and most determined riders in this era and he would fit into any era, be it in the 1960s or 1980s. Just a motocross racer of the purest form.

Sure, he didn’t win yesterday, but what he did show is the red plate won’t be handed to Lucas Coenen and while Coenen has a lot of momentum with GP wins in Finland, Czech Republic and Belgium, and taken the points lead of Febvre to just nine points (it started around 60 points early in the year). Febvre showed us everything he had, winning the opening moto after letting Coenen know this French guy in green is no joke, and he desperately wants that second World motocross championship.

The little push on Coenen when making a pass to regain the lead in the opening moto was forceful, but not dirty, but it did send a message to the young Belgian and probably make his think about how he will race Febvre in the final rounds of this championship. For an 18-year-old, losing this title might not be as difficult as it would be for a 33-year-old, who has for a decade tried to duplicate his 2015 effort.

Coenen though is a special race, similar to a young Ken Roczen or Jeffrey Herlings in my opinion, or even maybe the same level as a Jett Lawrence. Now, I don’t say that easily, as for me, I think Lawrence is probably the best motocross rider we have ever seen, and we see the difficulties of Europeans going to America in the performances of Jorge Prado.

Aussies seem to be able to make the step better than Euro’s and even as talented as Coenen is, moving to US, when he does it, will not be an easy step. With word now that he will race the GPs again in 2026 and turn to America when he is 20 is a good step, but even 20 in this day and age isn’t young anymore, at least not in this ridiculously tough sport.

What about Coenen though, and his third straight GP win and his 15th in his short career. My mind just boggles at his race craft, so controlled, so precise and mentally strong. It was a little like he slowed in that opening moto to reserve something for moto two and we saw, once he passed Febvre for the lead in race two, he just took off and was on another level.

The huge Belgian crowd were really entertained, and they really showed their appreciation for both Coenen brothers. Loud cheers came whenever a Coenen was making a pass and for both riders, there were plenty of passes to be made.

As I look back on Lommel, I see a veteran Frenchman who is not going to give anything to this young talented kid, and I really think we might see some bar banging in the final rounds in Turkey, China and Australia. I sure hope it comes down to the final round in Australia and with both Coenen and Febvre having so many trips to the podium this year, it is hard to see a big points swing any time soon. Sure, Tim Gajser is back for Sweden and will want to fight these guys and Jeffrey Herlings will also be wanting to add to his 108 GP wins, so it is very possible there can be a 10-point swing if the two five-time World champions get between the two MXGP championship contenders.

All I say, is bring on Uddevalla, Arnhem, Turkey, China and Australia, because we are in for something very special, as an old experience former World champion tries to fight off this super talented teenager.

Lucas Coenen wasn't even born when Stefan Everts ended his career and was just one year old when Steve Ramon won Belgium it's last World motocross championship. His knowledge of Belgian motocross history isn't great, but there are thousands and thousands of us, who do remember the golden era of Belgium motocross and many are wishing this young talent all the success to bring that country back to where it belongs.